Listening to this debate, it amazes me how short the memories are of some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Our financial sector collapsed and millions of Americans lost their jobs and their savings because Wall Street knew it could get away with just about anything under the previous administration.

"For eight years as California’s Insurance Commissioner, I regulated the largest financial industry in America: the insurance companies. The insurance companies had one commandment: thou shalt pay as little as possible as late as possible. Many in finance have their own commandment: thou shalt build up thy house of cards as fast as possible as profitably as possible without consideration of the long term consequences. The games have to stop; it’s time we created an economy that can withstand the unhinged greed of financiers."

Today's announcement that the unemployment rate dropped in November is welcomed news for the millions of American workers, including tens of thousands of people in my district, struggling to find a job in this difficult economy. The Recovery Act and other jobs-creating measures have laid down the building blocks to repair our economy.

I thank President Obama for his careful and thoughtful deliberation on this matter. He faces a difficult decision on a war he inherited, and I know his heart is in the right place. However, I remain convinced that increased diplomatic, economic, social, and educational assistance in the region will result in a lasting solution in Afghanistan. American national security, our dedicated soldiers already serving, and the people of Afghanistan will be better served if we focus our efforts on improving the socioeconomic conditions of the region instead of sending more of our brave soldiers to fight in this war.

"On Thanksgiving, we come together with friends and family to celebrate all of life’s blessings. On this holiday when we give thanks, we should all take a moment to remember that millions of our fellow Americans are struggling to make ends meet in this tough economy. 49 million Americans, including 17 million children, are food insecure, and food banks across the country are overwhelmed with families who have seen mothers and fathers lose their jobs. As the wealthiest country on Earth, we can do more to make sure no one goes hungry in America."

I have also hit the ground running on job creation, meeting with members, staff, business and labor leaders, and experts on strategies to help rebuild our economy and reignite our region’s innate entrepreneurial spirit. Seven days after being sworn into office, my office held its first town hall in Livermore where over 100 residents attended. The same day, I met with transportation officials to discuss ways to help improve our region’s transportation systems. The stimulus package passed by Congress helped save us from the brink of economic ruin and created and preserved thousands of jobs in our district, but more can be done.

Had I been in Congress at the time, I would have gladly voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and as a recent New York Times article by Jackie Calmes and Michael Cooper reveals, "the accumulation of hard data and real-life experience has allowed more dispassionate analysts to reach a consensus that the stimulus package, messy as it is, is working."

"People are struggling in this economy, and I will continue to do all I can to create the jobs we need to bring financial security to all hardworking families," said Congressman Garamendi, former chair of the California Commission for Economic Development. "Today, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass legislation that will make achieving the American dream more possible for thousands of small business owners and their employees in my district."

"I am absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to create quality transportation and technology jobs for residents of the 10th Congressional District and Northern California," Congressman Garamendi said. "I want to thank my colleagues for assigning me to the House Transportation and Infrastructure and House Science and Technology committees."